UNIT II

THE PHILIPPINE AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the morphological characteristics of HIV;
2. Define the etiology and pathogenesis of AIDS;
3. Identify the stages of AIDS;
4. Explain the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of AIDS;
5. Describe the roles and functions of PNAC and other agencies;
6. Clarify the role of schools and other institutions in campaigning for AIDS prevention and treatment; and
7. Enumerate the provisions mandated by R.A. 8504.

UNLOCKING OF DIFFICULTIES
1. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) – A syndrome experienced by a patient inflicted with HIV
2. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – A single-stranded RNA belonging to the Retroviridae Family
3. CD4 cell – T-helper cell
4. Modes of Transmission – routes of entry into the body of the host
5. PNAC – Philippine National AIDS Council

LECTURE NOTES: HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)

- Single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus that belongs to a family of viruses called retroviruses
- The cause of a unique disorder known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) which lowers the immune
response of the body to ward off diseases
- Infects a specific cell type called CD4 cell
- Three HIV enzymes that infect the healthy cells of the body: 1.) Reverse transcriptase
2.) Integrase
3.) Protease

TRANSMISSION AND SYMPTOMS OF AIDS

- Transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles by drug addicts, blood transfusion of infected blood
products, accidental skin punctures and through body secretions such as semen, vaginal fluid, blood and breast
milk
- HIV symptoms vary depending on the health status of an individual and the activity of the virus in the body
- Symptomatology of HIV: early stage, latency stage and progression to AIDS

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STAGES OF AIDS
▣ Early Stage
- 2 to 4 weeks after the initial infection
- Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) or the “worst flu ever”
- ARS symptoms include the following: High Fever Lymphadenopathy Syndrome
Rash Headache
Fatigue

▣ Latency Stage
- The virus replicates in the host’s body slowly
- Detectable through serologic testing

▣ Progression to AIDS
- A person infected with HIV who has not undergone medication will progress to having a condition called
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- AIDS is considered the final stage of a person infected with HIV
- One or a combination of the following symptoms may manifest in a person with AIDS:
1. Rapid weight loss
2. Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
3. Extreme and unexplained tiredness
4. Diarrhea lasting for a month
5. Pneumonia
6. Memory loss, depression and other neurologic disorders
7. Sores in the mouth, anus or genitals

AIDS COUNCIL AND AGENCY

▣ PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL – in response to the rising cases of
HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, PNAC was created in December 1992 through
Executive Order No. 39 for the purpose of fulfilling the following key
functions:
(a) Secure from concerned government agencies recommendations on
how their respective agencies could operationalize specific provisions
of this Act. The Council shall integrate and coordinate such
recommendations and issue implementing rules and regulations of this
Act. The Council shall likewise ensure that there is adequate coverage
of the following:
1. The institution of a nationwide HIV and AIDS information and education program;
2. The establishment of a comprehensive HIV and AIDS monitoring system;

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 3. The issuance of guidelines on medical practices and other procedures that carry the risk of HIV
transmission;
4. The provision of accessible and affordable HIV testing and counseling services to those who are in
need of it;
5. The provision of acceptable health and support services for persons with HIV and AIDS in hospital
and in communities;
6. The protection and promotion of the rights on individuals with HIV; and
7. The strict observance of medical confidentiality.
(b) Monitor the implementation of the rules and regulations of this Act, issue or cause the issuance of orders
or make recommendations to the implementing agencies as the Council considers appropriate;
(c) Develop a comprehensive long-term national HIV and AIDS prevention and control program and monitor
its implementation;
(d) Coordinate the activities of and strengthen working relationships between government and non-
governmental agencies involved in the campaign against HIV and AIDS;
(e) Coordinate and cooperate with foreign and international organizations regarding data collection, research
and treatment modalities concerning HIV and AIDS; and
(f) Evaluate the adequacy of and make recommendations regarding the utilization of national resources for
the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS in the Philippines.

- Works with government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
December is AIDS Awareness Month
Department of Interior Local and Government (DILG);
Department of Justice (DOJ);
Department of Tourism (DOT);
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
Philippine Information Agency (PIA);
Senate Committee on Health;
Congress Committee on Health;
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
Department of Education; and
Department of Health (DOH)

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8504: PHILIPPINE AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1998
- Otherwise known as “Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998”
- Effective on July 28, 1997

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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policies. – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that
recognizes no territorial, social, political and economic boundaries for which there is no known cure.
The gravity of the AIDS threat demands strong Slate action today, thus:

(a) The State shall promote public awareness about the causes, modes of transmission,
consequences, means of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS through a comprehensive
nationwide educational and information campaign organized and conducted by the State. Such
campaigns shall promote value formation and employ scientifically proven approaches, focus
on the family as a basic social unit, and be carried out in all schools and training centers,
workplaces, and communities. This program shall involve affected individuals and groups,
including people living with HIV/AIDS.

(b) The Slate shall extend to every person suspected or known to be infected with HIV/AIDS
full protection of his/her human rights and civil liberties. Towards this end,

(1) compulsory HIV testing shall be considered unlawful unless otherwise provided in
this Act;

(2) the right to privacy of individuals with HIV shall be guaranteed;

(3) discrimination, in all its forms and subtleties, against individuals with HIV or
persons perceived or suspected of having HIV shall be considered inimical to
individual and national interest; and

(4) provision of basic health and social services for individuals with HIV shall be
assured.

(c) The State shall promote utmost safety and universal precautions in practices and procedures
that carry the risk of HIV transmission.

d) The State shall positively address and seek to eradicate conditions that aggravate the spread
of HIV infection, including but not limited to, poverty, gender inequality, prostitution,
marginalization, drug abuse and ignorance.

(e) The State shall recognize the potential role of affected individuals in propagating vital
information and educational messages about HIV/AIDS and shall utilize their experience to warn
the public about the disease.

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